Jordan Laube
Apr 84 min
As we turn the corner towards the end of this PRR cycle, we look at one of the most underrated positions in this class: Running Backs. Sure, there is a lack of top-end talent in this group, but there are still some diamonds in the rough who will be playmakers at the next level.
Today, we'll cover 10 players that have different skillsets and succeed in various ways. With no clear cut consensus RB1, there could be some players not getting a ton of buzz who end up being the best from this class. I have some personal stock among these prospects as well, but we'll get to that later. Let's plow through the best ball-carriers in this class!
Photo: Ryan Sun/AP Photo
Marshawn is a fine prospect overall; he's awesome once he gets out into space, but that's few and far between. It didn't help that he played in a poorly designed offense and behind a bad OL, but even when he had lanes to exploit, he didn't see them. I think he could be a great change of pace back in the right system due to his good athleticism.
Pro Comp: Ameer Abdullah
Kimani is one of the biggest sleepers in this class. He does everything that you want a running back to do at a decent level; he can break tackles, burst to the edge of a defense, pass protects well, and has good all-around vision. I wanna see him hone in more on his speed and get more downhill on inside runs, but I liked his game a ton outside of that.
Pro Comp: Chase Edmonds
Dylan is a solid prospect, he has the receiving tools to do damage out of the backfield and as a WR, has incredible one-cut burst that's a problem for defenses to adjust to, and is one of the more shifty backs in this class. The key will be improving his pass protection and landing on the right team so he can see playing time early. Throw in his fantastic special teams skills, and Dylan could be in the league for a while, even if he isn't a starter.
Pro Comp: Danny Woodhead
Photo: Earl Frost/UNH Athletics
Braelon is very much a downhill runner. Once he gets going, he's tough to stop. He's also pretty solid in the pass game as a receiver, but he needs to get more nasty in pass pro; he'll get too passive rather than trying to stop a guy in his tracks. I also want to see him run harder and trust his size and strength - it helps that he's young and has time to develop.
Pro Comp: Latavius Murray
Benson is a decent runner overall. He has good top end speed in the open field that makes it tough for defenders to catch up to him, and he'll run through your face when given the chance. He also does a good job following his blocks and is underrated in the pass game. He will need to greatly improve in pass protection and work on threating the edge of the defense with his speed, I can see him becoming a starter if he can improve on those things.
Pro Comp: Tony Pollard
Jaylen has some really nice tools for a young player; he runs hard, is really elusive and fast, and has some solid contact balance to get extra yards. If he's willing to get vertical and not bounce around to make a play, he could be a real threat at the next level. I like him as a third down back early on, then an every down back as he gets experience.
Pro Comp: James Cook
Ray does everything at a high level, he can hit a crease with power, cut back to get bigger gains, break tackles, and has good contact balance. He also brings great vision and solid passing game ability. He is on the older side and doesn't have great speed, but he does enough to make plays and move the chains.
Pro Comp: Devin Singletary
Photo: Timothy D. Easley/AP Photo
Blake is a great one-cut backp. He always looks to find an open hole and will continue to run his feet through contact. He needs to improve in the pass game to be an every down back, but he is more than capable as a pure rusher to be a key piece of any offense. He won't wow you with his speed, but man is he fluid and elusive.
Pro Comp: Khalil Herbert
A complete back with outstanding athleticism, Brooks can take on most hits and keep gaining yards, can hit a crease with one cut or be patient and wait for lanes to open, has great vision to expose cutback lanes, and is a decent receiving threat, want to see more burst on big plays, but has a ton of juice for a guy who didn't get a chance until this year
Pro Comp: Le'Veon Bell
Despite his poor testing, I truly think Bucky could be an every down back. Sub 200 pound running backs have found recent success in the NFL, and Bucky is the next one to continue that trend. Has the skills to run through defenses on the ground and win through the air, as well great versatility positionally. We will need to see how he develops as a pass blocker and how his patience improves, but I loved his tape and what he does as an RB.
Pro Comp: Kyren Williams
Photo: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest
Final Notes:
Although there were no other backs that I struggled to leave out of the top 10, a few interesting prospects are Isaac Guerendo, Tyrone Tracy Jr, and Rasheen Ali. I think they all have NFL level rushing ability, but didn't have the best opportunity given the offenses they played in.
Stay tuned throughout this week as we cover the best cornerbacks and offensive tackles in this class - both of which are loaded with talent.